Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest in Goa. His death has left the Hindi and Marathi film industries mourning the loss of an actor known for his powerful performances. Tributes have been coming in from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and others from the film industry.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that Nana Patekar would be given a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Indian cinema. The actor was taken to Manipal Hospital in Goa after suffering a cardiac arrest. Doctors reportedly tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes, but could not save him.
Announcing the decision on X, Shelar spoke about Patekar’s contribution to Marathi theatre as well as Hindi and Marathi cinema. He wrote, “Considering the unparalleled contribution of actor Nana Patekar to Marathi plays as well as Marathi and Hindi cinema, we have decided to conduct his last rites ‘with full state honors’.”
अभिनेते नाना पाटेकर यांचे मराठी नाटकासह मराठी, हिंदी सिनेमातील अतुलनीय योगदान पाहता त्यांचे अंत्यसंस्कार "शासकीय इतमामात" करण्याचा निर्णय आम्ही केला आहे.
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) October 8, 2026
Speaking to the media, Shelar called Patekar’s death a major loss for the arts. The actor had a career that covered several decades and included work in theatre, Marathi cinema and Hindi films. His performances were known for their intensity and strong screen presence.
Patekar started his film career with the 1978 film ‘Gaman’. He went on to act in several well known films, including ‘Parinda’, ‘Prahar’, ‘Angaar’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Tiranga’, ‘Khamoshi’ and ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’. His work also helped him build a connection with audiences across different generations.
Theatre remained an important part of Patekar’s career. Before becoming a familiar name in Hindi cinema, he worked extensively in Marathi theatre and films. His contribution to both areas became an important part of his identity as an actor.
Even at 75, Patekar continued to appear on screen. He was recently seen in ‘Housefull 5’. He also appeared as a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’Romeo’, which stars Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. His recent work also included a cameo in ‘Subedar’, starring Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.
With his death, Hindi cinema and Marathi theatre have lost an actor whose career connected stage performances, regional cinema and mainstream Bollywood.
